The European Commission has issued an important warning to international students planning to study in EU and Schengen Area countries. Starting in the first half of 2025, students from visa-free countries will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before entering the EU.
The ETIAS, designed to enhance security and streamline travel, will require students to obtain authorization for short-term stays of up to 90 days.
“The ETIAS will simplify entry processes and strengthen our security measures,” stated an EU spokesperson. However, the new requirement does not guarantee entry into the EU.
Students planning to stay longer than 90 days must still apply for a student visa. For short-term stays, the ETIAS allows multiple entries within a 180-day period, linked to the student’s passport.
“It’s crucial for students to obtain their ETIAS before departure,” the spokesperson emphasized.
To apply for an ETIAS, students need a passport valid for more than three months, an email address, and must complete an online application form and pay a €7 fee. The ETIAS will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
“Students should only use the official ETIAS website to avoid scams,” warned the Commission.
For those with student visas, the ETIAS can be used to extend their stay in the EU for an additional 90 days after the visa expires. Students will also need to register in the Entry/Exit System (EES), which launches in November.
The European Commission stresses that while the ETIAS facilitates easier travel, it is not a visa. “Understanding these new requirements is essential for a smooth study experience in Europe,” the spokesperson concluded.
